The Southern New England Conference boasts of having the only equipping program specifically for faith formation and youth ministry leaders in the United Church of Christ. On November 6th, eleven faith formation and youth ministry leaders received their Certificate in Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Leadership after meeting all of the requirements for certification in this program. Since the program's creation in 2011, certificates have been awarded to 62 faith formation and youth ministry leaders.
The Faith Formation Leadership Program offers classes in the various areas of faith formation and youth ministry over the course of two years. The classes are open to anyone who wishes to further their education and understanding of faith formation; however, those who wish to take all twelve classes and two electives can receive the certificate. This achievement signifies a standard set for our faith formation leaders and provides support for their professional development. The entire process they engage in is an affirmation of the importance of faith formation — for them, for their congregations, for our conference, and for the United Church of Christ.
The following faith formation and youth ministry leaders were honored this year:
Joe Bezio — currently a faith formation volunteer at South Church in Andover, MA
Barbara Crandell — the Church School Coordinator at the Congregational Church of Brookfield, CT
Deb delDotto — the Interim Sunday School Director at First Congregational Church UCC in Shrewsbury, MA
Laura Dos Santos — the Sunday School Superintendent at Old South Union Church in South Weymouth, MA
Beth Neto — the Religious Education Director at The Congregational Church of So. Dartmouth UCC in So. Dartmouth, MA
Michelle Rawlinson — the Christian Education Director at the Congregational Church of Littleton, MA
Dawn Sorensen — the Director of Children’s Ministries at Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC in Southborough, MA
Rose Stansfield — the Director of Christian Education and Outreach at High Street Congregational Church in Auburn, ME
Kerry Stewart - the Faith Formation Coordinator at The First Congregational Church of Branford, CT
Jim Stokes-Buckles — a Church School Teacher at Edwards Church of Northampton, MA
Katie Welch — the Director of Faith Formation at The First Congregational Church of Rockport UCC in Rockport, MA
“Thanks to these faith formation leadership classes, I feel more comfortable, confident, and focused in creating a doorway for the children to experience God.”
- Barbara Crandell
“This program has helped my leadership skills and has fostered a desire to continue to learn — all for the benefit of the children and families at my church.”
- Beth Neto
“This program led me to become involved in a Community of Practice, which alone has been worth the price of admission! I already had seminary training, but this program helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.”
- Dawn Sorensen
“This program has provided good practices for how to succeed. I can now pivot, roll with, and pray through whatever is handed to me!”
- Kerry Stewart
For more information about the Southern New England Conference’s Faith Formation Leadership Program and to register for classes, visit our webpage.
Many blessings to these newly certified and gifted faith formation leaders, and to their congregations!
The Faith Formation Leadership Program offers classes in the various areas of faith formation and youth ministry over the course of two years. The classes are open to anyone who wishes to further their education and understanding of faith formation; however, those who wish to take all twelve classes and two electives can receive the certificate. This achievement signifies a standard set for our faith formation leaders and provides support for their professional development. The entire process they engage in is an affirmation of the importance of faith formation — for them, for their congregations, for our conference, and for the United Church of Christ.
The following faith formation and youth ministry leaders were honored this year:
Joe Bezio — currently a faith formation volunteer at South Church in Andover, MA
Barbara Crandell — the Church School Coordinator at the Congregational Church of Brookfield, CT
Deb delDotto — the Interim Sunday School Director at First Congregational Church UCC in Shrewsbury, MA
Laura Dos Santos — the Sunday School Superintendent at Old South Union Church in South Weymouth, MA
Beth Neto — the Religious Education Director at The Congregational Church of So. Dartmouth UCC in So. Dartmouth, MA
Michelle Rawlinson — the Christian Education Director at the Congregational Church of Littleton, MA
Dawn Sorensen — the Director of Children’s Ministries at Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC in Southborough, MA
Rose Stansfield — the Director of Christian Education and Outreach at High Street Congregational Church in Auburn, ME
Kerry Stewart - the Faith Formation Coordinator at The First Congregational Church of Branford, CT
Jim Stokes-Buckles — a Church School Teacher at Edwards Church of Northampton, MA
Katie Welch — the Director of Faith Formation at The First Congregational Church of Rockport UCC in Rockport, MA
“Thanks to these faith formation leadership classes, I feel more comfortable, confident, and focused in creating a doorway for the children to experience God.”
- Barbara Crandell
“This program has helped my leadership skills and has fostered a desire to continue to learn — all for the benefit of the children and families at my church.”
- Beth Neto
“This program led me to become involved in a Community of Practice, which alone has been worth the price of admission! I already had seminary training, but this program helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.”
- Dawn Sorensen
“This program has provided good practices for how to succeed. I can now pivot, roll with, and pray through whatever is handed to me!”
- Kerry Stewart
For more information about the Southern New England Conference’s Faith Formation Leadership Program and to register for classes, visit our webpage.
Many blessings to these newly certified and gifted faith formation leaders, and to their congregations!
Author
Debbie Gline Allen
Debbie Gline Allen serves as a Minister of Faith Formation on the Conference’s Faith Formation Ministry Team. She also serves as the administrator of the SNEUCC Faith Formation Leadership Program. Her passion for ministry is with children and family...